Packaging machine and method of packaging



Dea 31, 1940 M. J; MILMol-:YErAL 2,227,373

PACKAGING MAGHINE AND METHOD 0F. PACKAGING Filet?. Sept. 17,- 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet l www@ A TTORNEYS.

DEC. 3]., 1940. M MILMOE ETAL i PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Filed Sept. 17, 1937 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

INVENTOR'S De31,1940. M.J.MLMO m. 2,227,378

PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Filed Sepl'f- 17, 1937 7 sheelts-slletiI 3 A TTORNEYS.

@931, 1940. MMILMOE mL 2,227,378

PACKAGING MACHINE ANDA METHOD OF PACKAGING f C\a.rence J. MaAho. 1 4'1 BY:- @0x movie,

ATTQRNEYS D` =c.:s1,1940 .v jM.J..-mLMoE ETjAL YV 2,227,378`

PACKAGING' -MACEINE AND METHD o F- ACKAGING Filed- Sept. 1 7, 1937 1 7 sheets-sheet 5 ...01m S ReL S 4mom n mmm M V Y. l Y m WMU T Je A d? lfm MC. Y, B

Dec- 31, 1940- M. J. MILMoE Erm'. 2,227,378

PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD 0F PACKAGING Filed sept. 17, 1937 '1 sheets-sheet P1E E" E15-E4 .I'.O E'E| Flagll INVENTORS `M ache e\v J. Ml llmoe BYCharence Md hlot @wim .4 TTORNEYS Dec. 31, 1940. M. J. MILMOE ETAL- 2,227,378

PACKAGING uAcHINE AND METHOD 'oBAcKAGIN5- A Filed 's ept.; 17, 19:57',` Y j sheets-she# 7 Patented Dec. 3l, 1940 PACKAGING MAcmNE AND METHOD or PACKAG ING Michael J. Miimoe, Glen Enya, and clarence J.

Malhiot, Oak Park, Ill., assignors to F. B. Redington Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of' Illinois Application September 17, 1937, Serial No. 164,364

21 Claims. (Cl. 226-14) This inventionrelates to a packaging machine and the method oi packaging and more particularly to an automatic machine for feeding and packaging articles.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a new and novel packaging machine which is provided with means for arranging a. slip on circular in the bottom of a container; which is provided with means for arranging a predetermined number of articles or tablets into the container on top of the slip or circular; which is provided with means for placing a slip, card or the like containing printed matter such as directions pertaining to the use of the articles or tablets; which is provided with means for folding an advertising circular and then placing it in the container on top of the last mentioned slip l or on top of the articles and which is provided with improved mean's for closing the cover of the container.

Another object of theinvention is the provision of a new and improved method for packaging articles such as circular tablets by arranging a circular in a container having a hinged top, moving the container along predetermined paths whereby rows of such circular tablets are fed into the container, placing a slip, card or the like containing printed matter such as directions pertaining to the use of the articles or tablets, then folding aA circular and providing a predetermined number of folds therein. placing the circular in the container on top of the tablets and then nally closing the top of the container.

Other objects oi.' the invention are the provision of an automatic packaging machine including means for inserting a strip of paper into the bottom of the container as the container is being fed along a predetermined path; means for inserting a predetermined number of tablets into the container as it isbeing conveyed along a predetermined path and for positioning the tablets in a uniform manner in the container; means for placing a slip, card or the like containing printed matter such as directions pertaining to the use of the articles or tablets; means for folding acircular as the container is conveyed along a predetermined path and then feeding the circular into the package in a predetermined manner; and means for maintaining the hinged cover of the container in a. predetermined position and then,

after the packaging of the container has been apparent throughout the progress ing specication.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a selected embodiment of the invention and the views therein are as follows:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the improved machine;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the escapement bars showing them in one of their operating positions;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but showing the escapement bars in another of their operating positions; f

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of the escapement bars on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4;

of the follow- Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view of an escape-4 ment bar on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5;

Fig.- 7 is a detail sectional view on theline 1 1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of some of the mechanism showing the presser arms mounted on the knife arm for pressing the first slip into the container;

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 8 showing the slip completely inserted within the container;

Fig. 10 is a top view of the container with the lid in open position and showing the slip in proper operation of the pusher arm for moving the row of tablets placed in the container to one side of the container;

Fig. 13 is a view similanto Fig. 12-showng a second lateral row of tablets arranged in the container;

Fig. 13a is a view showing the position of the pusher arm after a second lateral row of tablets has been inserted in the container;

Fig. 13b is a View similar to Fig. 13a but show- .ing the pusher arm having pushed the second row of tablets into their normal position:

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Figs. 12 and 13 but shows the three lateral rows of tablets positioned in the container;

Fig. 15 is an elevational view of the chute showing it in two positions;

Fig. 16 is an elevational .view of the pusher bar yshowing the same in different positions:

Fig. 17 is a detail elevational view of some of the mechanism showing the operation of the pusher bar and chute;

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 but showing the pusher bar in its rearward position; Y

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of some of the mech.

anism for actuating the pusher arm to feed a slip from the hopper into the container;

Fig. 20 is` a plan view cf some of the mechanism at the lower end of the hopper showing the tablet rotating bar and the tablet agitators at the start of the movement of the tablets;

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 20 showing the agitators and the tablet rotating bar at approximately mid-stroke;

Fig. 22 is a view similar to Figs. 20 and 21 but showing the position of the tablets at the fulfillment of the stroke of the tablet rotating bar and agitators;

Fig. 23 is -a detail sectional-view on the line 23-23 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 24 is a detail sectional view on the line 24-24 of Fis. 2;

Fig. 25 is a detail sectional view on the line 25-25 of Fig. 2 showing a folded circular being inserted in the container;

Fig. 26^is a. view similar to Fig. 25 showing the folded circular after insertion in the container;

Fig. 27 is a top plan view` of the mechanism shown in Fig. 25; l

Fig. 28 is a detail perspective view of the container in open position, showing tablets arranged therein;

Fig. 29 is a view similar to Fig. 28 showing a slip inserted on top of the arranged tablets;

Fig. 30 is a view similar to Figs. 28 and 29 showing a folded circular arranged within the container;

Fig. 31 is a detail sectional view of the container showing the lid locking means;

Fig. 32 is a view taken on the line 32-32 of Fig. 37 showing part of the tablet agitators with tablets arranged in the channels;

Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 32 showing all of the agitators and the support bars and the channels for the tablets;

Fig. 34 is a detail plan view of some of the mechanism shown in Fig. 17 showing the bracket for carrying and operating the chute members;

Fig. 35 is a view similar to Fig. 34showing the connecting arm for the tablet pusher bars, certain parts being omitted for the sake of clearness; O

Fig. 36 is an elevational view of an individual tablet agitator showing the mounting thereof;

Fig. 37 is an elevational view of the inclined conveyor or hopper and some of the actuating mechanism therefor;

Fig. 38 is an elevational view of the bracket' and tablet rails showing their connectionto each other; n

Fig. 39 is a plan view of the structure shown in F18. 38;

Fig. 40 is a section taken transversely of the conveyor on the line lli-40 of Fig. 1 and showing the mechanism for causing the last roll of tablets to lie fiat in the container; and

Fig. 4l is a diagrammatic representation of the movement of the tablet-alining pusher bar of Figs. 17 and 18.

The present invention is illustrated as applied to a machine for packaging disk shaped articles or tablets but the principle of operation of the disclosed machine is equally applicable to packaging of other articles.

The invention relates in general to the packaging of a plurality of tablets in a container having a hinged top. The containers which receive the tablets are carried by a chain conveyor along a predetermined path, which conveyor is driven intermittently or step by 'step and has a series of buckets or pockets for receiving the containers in open position. As soon as the containers arrive at a predetermined positioma piece'of precut material or paper is placed`in` the bottom of the container, the material being cut by a reciprocating knife, the movement of which is automatically synchronized with the feeding movement of the conveyor. The containers in thebuckets continu-.e along their path of movement until {iy arrive at a predetermined position under sp\a` ed chute members, which have received a plurality of tablets from a hopper, to feed an exact number of tablets into each container at a proper timed-intiqval. Additional means are provided adjacent the tablet-feeding means for positioning 'the tablets in the containers in a uniform manner. After -the tablets are properly positioned and arranged in the container, the

- lled container is continued along a path of movement to a predetermined position where it receives a slip, card or the like containing printed matter, such as directions -pertaining to the use of the tablets. The container of tablets is then moved .to another predetermined position to receive a folded advertising circular in superposed relation with the tablets. The circular is first foldedto proper shape and then fed into proper position in the container. When the folding mechanism, which folds and feeds the advertising circular of folded dimensional size, is operated, the container is moved by the conveyor to closing position where the hinged top will be closed to complete the packaging operation.

Referring tothe drawings-and particularly to Figs.` 1 Iand 2 thereof, the machine comprises a frame I which is attached to a base or supporting member. Transverse shafts 2 are jourualed in the frame I and carry sprocket wheels 3; only one of these shafts and sprockets being shown in Figs.' 1 and 2. The sprocket wheels 3 support and operate a conveyor belt 4 which comprises a plurality of individual conveying buckets. receptacles or plates 5 having a package or container receiving pocket. The buckets! are connected by links I0 secured to adjacent buckets by pins 1 passing through .the downwardly ex 'being bolted to the frame I by bolts 9.

A small container I2, Figs. 10 and 28 to 31, is placed in each individual bucket 5 of the conveyor 4 and is fed along the path of the conveyor into the packaging machine. The conveyor buckets 5, carrying containers I2, are successivelymoved by the conveyor to a position designated as A (see Figs. 1 and 2), past a positioning pin I3 which is mounted at Il to a bracket I5 attached to an extending arm I3 of an oscillating lever II. Fig. 2. The pin I3 is vertically disposed, and has at its lower end a rubber tip I3, Fig. 1, for the purpose of adjusting the container I2 to-its proper position in the conveyor bucket 5. The pin I3 carrying the rubber tip is spring-urged by a helical spring I9, Fig. 1, which encircles the pin I3 intermediate the tip and the underside of the bracket I5.

A web of thin paper is fed from a supply roll 20, Figs. 1 and 2,. which is mounted on a shaft 7, which ls mounted on a shaft 24.v The shaftl 24 is carried by arm 25 as shown inFig. 7, and

the roll 23 allows the paper to be fed to feed rolls 25 and 21. 'Ihe feed rolls 23 and 21 .are mountedonshafts 23 and 29, respectively, which are supported by the frame' I in any conventional manner, Figs. 2 and 7. The paper v22 is fed from the feed rolls between a guide member 30 and a xed cutter 3|, Fig. 7, into a position to be cut oi by a reciprocating knife 32, which cooperates with the stationary knife 3l. The knife 32 is actuated by the oscillating lever I1, the perpendicular extension or arm IBA of which has horizontal pins 33 .to which the knife '32 is attached, Fig. 1. Also carried by this horizontally extending arm I6 is an angular bracket 34, Figs. 1, 2 and 7, which is bolted thereto by al bolt 35. 'I'he bracket 34 extendsvertically downward to a position in front of the knife 32 and the paper 22 being fed, and acts as a presser arm or abutment for the front 'edge of the cut paper which is fed into the container I2.

The .bracket I5, Figs. 1 and 2, carrying the positioning pin I3, is bolted in horizontal position on the lower side of the bracket 34 by a screw 36, Figs. 2 and 7. This bracket I5 extends along the direction of the feed of the conveyor, to the right, Figs. 1 and 2, to provide at the end opposite the positioning pin a pair of downwardly'extending arms 31 and 38, Fig. 1, which act as presser arms or guides for pressing or directing the paper into the bottom lof the container after the paper has been cut off by the knife, as shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. Upon movement of the conveyor the presser arms 31 and 38 which are immediately beyond the cutting position, prevent the cut-oil paper from falling anywhere except immediately at the bottom of the container or carton. These arms also prevent the slip from riding or contacting one corner or side of thecontainer, which condition might prevent proper insertion of the tablets into the v -tion of the arm I1, the bracket I simultaneously moves the positioning pin I3 into contact with a container I2 which is immediately adjacent thecutting position. At the instant that the pin I3 engages the container, the conveyor is moving to the right and consequently the engaged container is moved to the left relative to its bucket 5, thereby positioning the container against the rear upstanding edge of said bucket in proper relation thereto to receive the subsequently cut slip. The knife 32 is reciprocated through the medium of a bell crank of which the lever I1 comprises one arm and a lever 39 comprises the other arm, as shown in Fig. 7.

This bell crank is pivoted to the vmachine frame at 49 and its arm 39 extends downwardly and is pivotally connected, as at 4I, to a link 42 which is connected at its opposite end to a crank pin 43 and held on the pin by a collar 44. The pin is rotated by an eccentric crank 445 which therefore applies an operating force to the levers' 33 and I1, which in turn control the operation of the knife 32.

As the buckets carrying the containers I2 are diately below a plurality of chute members 46,a

Figs. 1 and 2. The chute members 46, Figs. 11-15, are disposed immediately above and in .alignment with the conveyor/buckets, Fig. 1.

These chute members 48 are not limited to any particular number, but a separate chute member is provided for each individual row of tablets to be fed into the container, and there are a number of slideways, four being shown in each of the chute members 46, Fig. 11. In the present instance there is'shown three chute members for feeding three individual rows of four tablets.

Immediately above the chute members are a plurality of members spaced toA provide channels 41, Figs. l, 2 and 37, in an inclined conveyor 43. These channels permit the tablets to slide or roll downwardly and be fed from a hopper 49 into the chute members 46. The channels of the inclined conveyor 48 are so disposed that four of the channels 41` lie in` perfect alignment with the slideways in each of the chute members. This arrangement is to allow one tablet at a time to be fed from each channel to a respective chute member, and since there are four channels for each chute member four tablets are fed to each chute member to provide a row offour tablets, Figs. 11 to 15.

At the lower end of the inclined conveyor 48 and disposed immediately above the channels 41 are a pair of escapement Ibars 50 and 5I, Figs. l,

2 and 37, which extend transversely across thechannels 41 of the conveyor 48. These escapement bars are for the'purpose of limiting the number of tablets being fed from thechannels into the chute members. The bars 50 and.'` 5I, Figs. 2 to 6, carry a plurality of pairs of springurged pins 52, each pair of pins extending through the bars 50 and v5I and in alignment with each channel 41, Fig. 2. 'Ihe number of pairs of pins in the bars are equal to the number of channels 41 and are for the purpose of limiting .or stopping the tablets being fed.

The bars 50 and 5I have a plurality of recesses 53 each of which receives a spring 54 surrounding a pin 52, Figs. 5 and 6. The front escapement bar 5I, Figs. 1 and 37, is connected to a crank arm 55 by bolts 56. The crank arm 55 is pivoted around the shaft 51 and has extending beyond the pivot an extension 58 which has a threaded aperture 59 adapted to receive a bolt B9, Fig. 37. The bolt 60 has threaded thereon a pair of nuts 6I which contact theextension 58 for securing the adjustment of the bolt. The bolt 69 on the arm 55 contacts the underside of a bar 62, which is integrally connectedt-o a second crank arm 63. integral with a bearing 64 pivoted aboutthe shaft 65. The shaft 65 may be carried by the frame in any convenient manner. A crank arm 66, Fig. 37, extends from the bearing 64 and has a cam roller mounted at 61 which cooperates with a cam 68. Theback escapement bar 5I) is integrally connected to a crank arm 69 which is pivoted at' .'IIl. The crank arm 69, Fig. 37, has a threaded recess 12 adapted to receive a threaded bolt 13 which contacts the extension arm 62 to limit the downward movement of the escapement bar 59. This bolt 'I3 is adjustable to predetermin the movement of bar 50.

The tablets 1I, Fig'. 37, roll down the inclined conveyor 48 in the channels 41 on their peripheral edges and come in contact with the springurged lpins 52 which 4are disposed in the back bar 50, ande stopped thereby. Each pinis springurged to'prevent injury to the tablets when the pin moves into clamping contact with a tablet 1I.

Upon the rotation of the cam 66 to reciprocate thc arm 63 vertically upward, the crank arm 69 and the escapement bar 50 are lifted .by the bar 62 from the position shown in Fig. 37 to move the pins 52 carried by this bar out of contact withthe tablets. Simultaneously withv the lifting of the crank arm 69 by the extension 62, the crank arm 55 is released for downward` movement around its pivot 51 to bring the pins on the escapement bar 5I into position in front of the tablets, as shown in Fig. 3. The escapement bar 50, therefore, allows only one tablet at a time to be fed from each channel to the escapement bar 5I The further rotation of the cam 68 moves the arm 66 about its pivot to oscillate the arm 63 and bar 62 downwardly, so that this bar contacts the bolt 60 of the arm 55 and causes the arm 55 to pivot about the shaft 51. This downward movement of the extension 62 raises the arm 55 and its cooperating escapement bar 5| from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. f1 to release the tablets. Simultaneously with the raising of the bar 5|, the escapement bar 50 moves downwardly to the position shown in Figs. 4 and 37, whereby each pin 52 of this bar contacts a second tablet in each line of tablets and prevents further feeding movement of these andthe succeeding tablets. The escapement bar 5| therefore in turn allows only a single tablet 1| of eachchannel to be fed into a tabletrotating bar 14, Figs. 1, 20, 21 and 37.

The tablet-rotating bar 14, Figs. 1, 20-22 and 37, is disposed immediately below the escapement bar 5| and adjacent the lower end of the inclined conveyor. This bar 14 hasta bar 15 which is provided with a plurality of recesses 16, these recesses being equal in number to the number of channels 41. The bar 14, Figs. 1 and 37, is connected at one end by a link 11 to a pivot stud 16. At the other end it is connected to a bell crank lever, Fig. 1. having arms 19 and 60. The arm 60 is pivoted at 8| to a link 62 for connection to its actuating mechanism (not shown).

The vertical reciprocation of the link 82 oscillates the bell crank which reciprocates the bar 14 and brings the recesses 16 into and out of alignment with the channels 41, as shown in Fig-s. 20 to 22. Fig. 20 shows the bar 14 at the extreme right-hand position of its stroke and `lust starting to move to the left. In this position a tablet 1|, fed past the escapement bar 5|, falls partially into a recess 16. The continued movement of the bar 14 turns the tablet over to the position shown in Fig. 21-and then to the position shown in Fig. .22. in which latter position it is exactly perpendicular to its former position in channels 41. In the reciprocation of the bar 14 reciprocating tablet agitators 63 and 64, Figs. `20 to 22, 32 and 33, assist in the re-positioning of the tablets 1l. The reciprocating tablet agitators 63 and 64 will be hereinafter described.

At the extreme left-hand position of the bar 14, the tablets 1|, having been re-positioned, will be allowed to drop into the respective channels 65 of the chute members 46, Fig. 11, the channels 65 being in alignment with the recesses 16 and the channels 41. Each chute member 46 has four of these channels 65 which are separated by the guides 66, Fig. 11. In position B, Figs. 1 and 2, the first four channels 41 of the inclined conveyor feed the first chute member 46, in position C the second four.channels feed the second chute member 46,(while in position D the 95 adjustably secured to an actuating rod 66.

last four channels feed the third chute member.

Each of the separate channels 65 in the individual chute members 46 has a vertically extend- 'ing finger 61, Figs. 17 and 18. The fingers 61 associated with each chute member 46 are pivoted on a stud or shaft 66, and have, above their lower ends 69, a perpendicular extension 60, Figs. 11, 17 and 18. The purpose of this extension 90 is to control the feed of the tablets 1| from the channels 65 so that all four tablets will be fed simultaneously into the container I2. The flnger 61, Fig. 17, has a pendulum movement about the stud 66 and is controlled by a bar 9| mounted on pusher rods which will be hereinafter described.

The chute members 46 are bolted by bolts 62 to the vertical face 93 of an angular bracket 64, Figs. 17, 18 and 34, the horizontally extending arm of which is integrally connected with a boss Tablet pusher bars 61, Figs. 2, 17, 18, 34 and 35, which are positioned between the chute members 46, as best shown in Fig. 2, are mounted on a pusher shaft 98. The bracket 64 carries a shaft or stud 99 to which a downwardly extending link is pivoted. The opposite end of the link |00 is pivoted to a shaft |0I, Figs. 17, 18 and 35, carried by the bar 9|. The shafts 66, which carrythe pushers 91, extend through the bar 9| and are rigidly secured thereto as shown in Fig. 35. This bar 9|, which is positioned immediately behind the chute member 46 and below the bracket 94 extends transversely of all three chute members 46 and cooperates with springs |02, Figs. 17 and 18, mounted in said chute member for controlling the movement of the fingers 81. The movements of these fingers control the feed of tablets 1| into the container I2 as previously sta ted.

The pusher bar shafts 96, Figs. 17 and 18, for the pusher bars 91, have at their rear ends bearings |03 positioned on the shafts 98 by collars |04 and H2, the collars |04 being fastened to the shafts and the collars I|2 being loose thereon. The bearings |03 have downwardly extending levers attached thereto, as indicated at |06. `At its lower end each lever |05 is integrally connected with a boss portion |01 fastened to a shaft |06. Also fastened to the shaft is a lever |09, carrying a roller ||0 which contacts a cam |I|. This cam III, upon rotation, moves the roller I0, which, through levers |09 and |05, causes reciprocation of the pusher bar shafts 98. A helical spring H3, mounted between a rear collar |04', Fig. 17, fastened to each shaft A98 and the collar II2, acts as a safety spring to permit the bearing |03 to move idly relative to its shaft 96 if the pusher 91 in the rearward movement encounters any undue resistance.

The chute-actuating rod 96, Figs. 17 and 18, extends vertically downward from the boss 95 and is fastened at its lower end to a boss I4, Fig. 17, which carries a horizontal arm H5. At the end of the4 arm I5 is a boss |I6 which is adapted to receive a rod or link .|I1. The rod |I1 is positioned against displacement in the boss ||6 by the collars ||6 and |I9. The rod or link ||1 extends vertically upward and in parallel alignment with the rod 96 and has at 'its upper end a yoke |20, pivoted at I2| to an arm |22 of a bell crank pivoted at |24. The other arm |23 of the bell crank carries a cam roller |25 which cooperates with a driving cam (not shown). The rotation of the cam moves the roller- |25 and causes the bell crank lever to pivot about its pivot |24, tovertically reciprocate the link I |1 and the rod 96.

The path along which the pusher b ars 91 are moved by the shafts 98 and the rod 96 `is diagrammatically shown in Fig. 41. The upward reciprocation'of the rod 96 takes place during the forward movement of theshafts 98 and consequently the pusher bars move diagonally upwardly and forwardly, as shown in Fig. 17, during the' vertical upward movement ofthe chute members 46. Each chute member in its upper position receives in its channels 85 a set of four tablets fed from the recesses 16 of the tabletrotating bar 14. The tablets which have been fed inta-the channels 85 .are held therein by the extensions 90 on the pivoted'ngers 81.' In this position of the extensions 90, the pusher arm 91 is at the front of a chute member 46 and the bar 9| pressing against the fingers 81 retains them in their forward position against the action of the springs |02.

During the major portion of the downward movement of the rod -96 the shaftl 98 is inoperative and consequently the chute members 46 and pusher bars 91 move vertically downwardas a unit until the rod 96 approaches the end of its travel when the shaft 98 begins to move rearwardly. -Rearward movement of the shaft 98 causes the bar 9| to move away from the chute 'members to thereby release the springs' |02. The

springs |02 move the fingers 81 backwardly and allow four tablets to fall from each chute member into the front of a container I2 positioned at the poi .its B, C and D in Figs. `1 and 2. The feeding positions of the tablet in the front of the container are shown in Figs, 12, 13 and 14, Fig. 12 showing the first row of tablets in initial '-'position in the container; Fig. 13 showing the second row of tablets in initial position and the rst row of tablets in adjusted position; and Fig. 14 showing the third row of tablets in fed position andthe rst and second rows of tablets in adjusted position.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 2, the

pusher bars. 91 overlie the buckets positioned between.: the chute members. Consequently these bars, vwhen the rod 96 has completed its downward movement, lengage the first and second rows of tablets which initially are fed to the same relative position in the container as shown in Figs. '12, 12a., 13 and 13a. The rod 96 having completed its ydownward movement, the shaft 98 continues to move rearwardly and causes the pusher bars 91, engaged with the first and second rows of tablets, to move the same toward the rear of the container, as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 12a`and 13b, thereby properly' positioning the tablets in these rows and these rows in the containers.

This movement having been completed, the shafts 98 and pusher bars 91 are then moved for- `wardly to clear the tablets and having cleared the same the rod 96 again moves upwardly while the shaft 98 moves forwardly, thereby returning A the chute member and pusher bars to their positions shown in Fig. 17 and setting the ngers 81 for reception and retention of tablets in said chute member.

As shown in Fig. 14, the third row of tablets ciprocate horizontally across the guide table |28 thereby pushing the slip |26 into the container manner to the machine frame. At its end oppo4 site the lever 22| the stud 222 carries. a kicker arm or plate 224 which is positioned to overlie the third row of tablets and at its outer end engage any tablets which container.

A container in which a .third row of tablets has been fed from the chute member 46 moves during the upward movement of the chute member into a position beneath the kicker arm or plate 224; consequently upon the downward movement of the chute member 46 to place a third row of tablets in the next following container the lever 22| will be rotated counterclockwise by the pin 220, thereby causing the kicker may be tilted in the,

arm or plate to swing across the thirdirow of tablets and kick any tilted tablets into their proper position lying iiat within the container. A spring 225, interposed between the bracket 223 and a depending lug -or extension 226 of the arm 22|, urges said arm into engagement with the pin 220 and maintains the kicker arm above the upper surface of the tablets in the container.

The conveyor 4 successively moves the containers I2, with their slips 22 and tablets 1|, to

position E, Figs. 1 and 2, where a slip |26, containing printed matter or instructions, is placed in superposed position on the tablets 1| in each container I2. The slip y|26 is fed from a hopper |21 by suction means (not shown). The hopper |21, Figs. 1,12 and 19, is disposed vertically and immediately adjacent the conveyor.

A slip |26 from the bottom of the hopper |21 is deposited upon a guide table |28, Fig. 19,

mounted on a bracket |29 by means of bolts' |30. The guide table |28 has recesses |3|, Fig. 19, to

assist in feeding the slip |26 over the table |28.'

A, plate |32 bolted to the front face of the hopper |21 has a forwardly vand downwardly .inclined portion overlying the bucket 5 and container I2 at position E (Figs. 1 and 2) for the purpose of guiding the slip |26 into its proper position in the container.' Working in conjunction with the guide table |28 is a'pusher` arm |33, Fig. 19, having a perpendicular arm |34 extending across the table |28. This pusher arm |33 vis pivoted at |35 to the arm |36 of a bell crank lever pivotedat |38. The arm |31 of the bell crank lever is pivoted at |39 to a `link |40 which in turn Ais f pivoted at its other end to a crank pin' |4| carried by a crank member |42 fixed to a-shaft |43. The crank pin 4| and link |40 oscillate the bell crank lever and cause the pusher arm |33 to re- I2 at position E. The container |2, with the slip 22, the tablets or articles 1|, and the top slip |26, is clearly shown in Figs. 28 and 29.

The'subsequent movement of the conveyor 4 brings each container |2 to a position F, Figs. 1 and 2, to receive a foldedprinted circular |44,

Figs. 1, 2 and 30.

The unit for folding Vthe printed circular is immediately adjacent the conveyor at theposirolls |56 and |54.

tion F, Figs. i and 2, and consists of a horizontal folding blade |45, Fig. 1, attached to an arm |46 which is actuated back and forth by means not shown. The folding blade |45 contacts the printed circular |44, being fed through and by the feed rolls |41 and |46, mounted on the shafts |46 and |56 which are Journaled on the frame in any conventional manner. The printed circular or paper is fed downward through guides '|5|` into guides |52, .Where it is engaged bythe first folding blade |45 and then fed to the' feed The feed rolls |56 and |54 are mounted on shaftsv |55 and |56. and feed the folded circular into the upwardly inclined guides |51.

A second folding blade |56, Fig. Lbetween feed rolls |56, |54 and guides |51, is carried by an actuating arm` |56 and is reciprocated vertically to fold the circular a second time and to feed the samerinto vertically disposed guides |66 which are bracketed to the frame at 6|. The circular |44 is then contacted by a third folding blade or member |62 to refold the twice folded circular. 'Ihe folding member |62 is horizontally disposed and is reciprocated to fold and feed the circular into horizontally disposed guide members |66. The guide members |66 have an opening or recess |64 which allows a fourth folding member |65 to contact the circular |44 to again fold and feed it downwardly to a position where it is engaged by the fifth folding member |66 (Figs. 2 and 25 to 27). ber or arm is horizontally disposed and carried by the actuating arm |61, Fig. 25.

This fifth folding member is reciprocated horizontally to fold the circular |44 and feed it through the-spring-urged guide member |66 and the guide |66, Figs. 25 and 26. The guide member |66 has a fixed upper portion |16, .to which is secured at one end a helical spring |1| for constantly urging the guide member |66 intoa predetermined position spaced from the lower "guide |66. This urging alction assists the folding arm |66 in creasing the circular when feeding it into the containers' I2. The lower guide |66 is bracketed to 'the back magazine wall bracket .|12 by bolts |16. The back bracket may be attached to the frame bracket 6 in any conventional manner. The circular |44, which has been folded five times, conforms in substantial dimensional size to that of the container I2, so that it can be easily and readily inserted therein. The completely folded circular |44 is pushed by the fifth folding member |66 into the container i2.

The lid |15 of each container l2 as it approaches the position F is engaged by the guide member |16, Figs. 1 2 and 23 to 26. This guide member |16 is disposed vertically adjacent the conveyor 4 and is attached to Ithe angle bracket 6 in any vconvenient manner. The member |16 has an integral arm |11 extending horizontally above the conveyor buckets 5, Figs. 25 and 26.

. This arm |11 has an angle or cam portion |16 to move the lid toward closed position (see Fig.

2). The extension arm |11 may be integrally attached to the vertical` arm |16, or i-t may be hinged in any convenient manner (not shown).

Thejid' |15 of the container, as the container is fed along, comes in contact with the angled portion |16 of the guide to progressively closethe lid, Figs. 23 to 26. 1

*The extreme end of the guide arm |11, opposite .the angled end |16, substantially overlies the lid |15 of the container |2, but the lid- |15is` The fifth folding memthe bars 6-6.

prevented from completely closing by the horifed from the guide members into fand inserted y in the container I2 as shown in Fig. 28,

The next movement of the-conveyor causes each container to be moved away from position F and from the extension arm |14. The right end of the guide arm |11 pushes the lid |15 downward into a substantially closed position, as shown in Fig. 3i. In this latter'position the conveyor moves 'the containers under a presser roll |66, Figs. i. 2 and 27, which is rotatably mounted on a stud shaft I6 I. The presser roll presses .the lid |15 into closed position to complete the packaging operation. 'I'he closed packages are then conveyed away to a table |62 for shipping, and the like.

The hopper 46, Fig. 37, is mounted on an angular frame bracket |65, which is attached to the bracket 6. Thev` ltop portion of the bracket |65 supports the hopper 46. the tablet-agitator bars 63 and 64, and tablet rails |65 to form the inclined conveyor 46. This inclined conveyor consists of a plurality of feed channels 41, hereinbefore described.

The tablet rails |66 are connected at the rear and front of the hopper to transverse bars |61 and |62 which are bolted to .the frame bracket |65 in any suitable manner as by bolts |66, shown at the right of Fig. 37. Each rail |65 has pins |86 at opposite ends thereof. and these pins are adapted to fit into recesses |66 in the bars |61 and |62. The rails |66 fit into. recesses |6| which are disposed perpendicular to the recesses |66, Figs. 38 and 39.

The inclined conveyor 46 has a plurality of tablet-agitator 'bars 66 and 64, disposed between and above the tablet rails |66, Figs. 32 and 33, there being a pair of agitator bars for each channel 41. These tablet agitators 66 and 64 are supported at the back of the conveyor by the bar |61 and supporting bars |64 and |65, and at the front by a support bar |66, Fig. 36, and by a bar not shown. The support bar. |64 for the bar 64, at Ithe rear of the inclined conveyor, has integral therewith at both ends a shaft |61. The agitating bars 66, which cooperate with the agitating bars 84, are carried in a similar manner.by a

. support .bar |65, having shaft extensions |66 at both ends. These support bars and shafts are parallel and adjacent to each other and extend through an aperture |64 in the hopper 46, Fig. 37.

At the upper end of the conveyor, the support |64, carried by the shaft |61, is interconnected with arms |66. These arms |66, one art each end of the support |64, are rigidly mounted on a shaft 26| Journaled at both ends in the hopper support bracket |65. Mounted on the f-ront end of the shaft 26|, Fig. 37, is a lever 266 connected at 264 to a link 265. The link 265 is rotatably fastened to a crank 266 driven by means not shown. Rotation of the crank 266 therefore imparts a reciprocating movement to the agitator bars 64. The shaft extensions |66 are rotatably mounted in levers 261 rigidly mounted on the shaft 266. Fastenedto the back end of shaft 266 (Fig. 37) is a lever 2|6 connected at 2|| to a link 2 |2. The link 2 I2 is rotatably fastened to a crank 2 6 driven by means not shown. Rotation of the crank 2I6.imparts a reciprocating movement to The connecting mechanisms for actuating lthe agitator bars 66 and 64 are similar the median line of the container.

in every detail. The link 205 and its actuating portions 2|4 providing a movable support, swinging in an arc, and allowing the reciprocation of the agltating bars 83. The support levers 2|5 at their opposite ends are supported by the shaft '51 carried by the frame |85 for supporting the bar |96 which carries the tablet agitator bar 8-3. A similar mechanism mounted on the shaft 10 supports the tablet agitator 84.

'I'he bars 83 and 84 are reciprocated so that on the forward stroke of one bar the other is moving backwards. This isobvious, since the bars 83 and 84 feed the tablets down the tablet rails |86 into a position to be received by the tablet-rotating bar 14, Fig. 22. The bars 83 in their forward position, in conjunction with the bars 84 at their backward position, cooperate with the bar 14 in turning the tablets around in position to be fed into the chute members. 'Ihe reciprocation of the bars 83 and 84 have the further purpose of agitating and feeding the tablets along the channels 41 of the inclined conveyor 48.

It is to be understood that the packaging machine hereinbefore described has its various actuating mechanisms connected to a main' drive shaft (not shown)v for synchronizing the series of operations in timed relationship.

Operation The open containers |2 are placed in conveyor buckets 5 and properly positioned therein by the pin I3 just prior to reaching the position A, Fig. 1, where a slip of paper 22 is fed and cut off and finally inserted in the bottom of the container by the presser arms 34, 31 and 38. The containers are then moved in succession by the intermittently operating conveyor to the position B, under the first chute member 46, Where each container receives the rst row of tablets 1|, coming from the inclined conveyor 48 past the escapement bars 5.0 and 5|, to be turned around by the rotating bar 14 and allowed to fall into the chute member 46.

The pusher bar 91 positions the row of tablets to the back of the container at the next position, after which it is fed along to position C. At this position it receives a second row of tablets by repeating the same cycle of operation, and in its next position the second pusherbar 91 properly positions the second row of tablets along The conveying of the container with the two rows of tablets to the position D allows it to receive a third row of tablets from the chute member at this point. If the kicker arm 224 (Figs. 1 and 40) is employed, the next position of the container will be below this arm, which is thereupon operated to cause the tablets of the third row to lie at in the container. l

When a container is moved to position Dto receive the last row of tablets, the conveyor has positioned additional containers atl positions C and B and A to receive the second and first row of tablets and the bottom paper or slip 22, respectively. After each container is lled it -is then conveyed to position E, Fig, 1, to receive a hopper'l21. The slip ls pushed by a reciprocate ing arm |33 into each container I2 into superposing relationship with the tablets 1|.

Each container I2 is next conveyed to theposition F, where a printed circular I |44 which has Abeen folde five times by the folding unit ls in- The lid of each container |2, while approaching the position F,

serted int Y.the container.

contacts the angular. guide member |11 which functions to move the lid |15 toward a closed position, but the lid is prevented from closing ton snp 12s (Figs. 1,'19 and 29 fed from the completely by an extension arm |14 so that the i A folded circular may be inserted.

After the folded circular is inserted, the container is conveyed past the guide member |11 under a presser roll |88 which applies pressure upon the partially closed container lidA to snap the lid |15 into complete closed position to form a completed package.

It will be seen that after the containers |2 have been placed in the buckets 5 the packaging machine automatically performs its series of operations to provide a container with its.full contents, and then completely closes the container to form a completed package, this automatic operation being accomplished without any manual parting from the spirit of the invention or sac-v l rificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of the foilowing claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. In a packaging mechanism, in combination'a conveyor for feeding open containers along a predetermined path, means arranged in the path of the conveyor for feeding a. slip into the container, means for feeding an exact number of tablets in the container, and means operatively connected to the tablet-feeding means for shifting the tablets relative to said slip to reposition the tablets into predetermined positions in the container. l

.2. In combination, a conveyor for moving containers along a predetermined path, means adjacent said conveyor for feeding a web of paper, means for cutting slips of paper from the web and inserting the slips in said containers, means for actuating the cutting means, means on said actuating means in advance of said cutting means for shifting the containers into predetermined positions on said conveyor during movement of the containers to said slip inserting means,v and means on said actuating means but beyond said cutting means for shifting a tilted slip into proper position in the container.

3. In a feeding mechanism for tablets to be packaged comprising a plurality of guide chutes.

Ameans for reciprocating the chutes to receive the chutes, said positioning means having an oscillatory movement and actuating theholding means.

4. A packaging machine f or packaging a plurality of articles into an open container having a hinged closure, comprising means for vfeeding the container to a predetermined position, means for moving a slip to a predetermined position, means for inserting the slip in the bottom-of the container, means for causing the container to be further advanced to another predetermined position after the slip has been inserted therein, means for depositing an article in a preliminary position.in the container and on the slip, and means for ,thereafter shifting the article relative to the slip to permanent position in the container.

5. A packaging machine for packaging a plurality of articles into an open container having a hinged closure, comprising means for feeding the container to ,a predetermined position, means for'moving a slip to a predetermined position, means for inserting the slip in the bottom of the container, means for causing the container to be further advanced to another predetermined position after the slip has been inserted therein. means for depositing an article in the container and on the slip, means for shifting the article relative to the slip to 'permanent position in the container, means for causing the container to be further advanced to another predetermined position, means for feeding `another article in the container, and means for shifting the second article relative to the slip and the rst article to permanent position in the container adjacent the rst article.

6. A packaging machine for packaging a plurality of articles into an open container having a hinged closure, comprising means for feeding the container to a predetermined position, means for moving a'slip to a predetermined position, means for inserting the slip in the bottom of the container, means for causing the container to`be further advanced to another predetermined position after the slip has been inserted therein, means for depositing an article: in the container and on the slip, means for shifting the article relative to the slip to permanent position in the container, means for causing the container to be further advanced to another predetermined position, means for feeding another article in the container, means for shifting the second article relative to the slip and the flrst article to permanent position in the container adjacent the first article, means for causing the container to be moved to another predetermined position,

means for depositing another article in a. predetermined position in said container, and means for shifting any tilted article into proper position in the container.

'7. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be filled to a plurality of spaced filling stations, means at each of said stations for depositing a tablet in the container at said station, and means between certain of said stations for shifting the tablet deposited in the container, at the preceding station, relative to said container and into a predetermined position therein.

8. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be illled to a. plurality of spaced lling stations, means at each of said stations for depositing a tablet in the container at that station and remote from an edge th'ereof, means between the i'lrst and second of said plurality of stations for shitting the tablet into juxtaposition to said edge of the container, and means beyond said second station for shifting the tablet deposited in the container at the second station into juxtaposition to the tablet deposited in the container at the flrst station.

9. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be filled to a plurality' of spaced filling stations, means at the first of said stations for depositing a tablet in said container, and remote from an edgel thereof, means between the first and second of said stations for shifting'said tablet into juxtaposition to said edge of the container, means at the second station for depositing a tablet in said container remote from the tablet deposited in the container at the ilrst station, and means beyond the second station for shifting the tablet deposited in the container at the second station into juxtaposition to the tablet deposited in the container at the first station.

10. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be lled to a plurality of spaced filling stations, means at each of said stations for depositing a tablet in the container at said station, means between certain of said stations for sluiting the tablet deposited in the container, at the preceding station, relative to lsaid container and into a predetermined position therein, and means beyond the last of said plurality of stations for shifting any tilted tablets in the container into a flat position therein.

11. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be lled to a plurality of spaced illling stations, means at the first of said stations for depositing a tablet Yin said container, and remote from an edge thereof, means between the ilrst and second of said stations for shifting said tablet into juxtaposition tovsaid edge of the container, means at the second station for depositing a tablet in said container remote from the tablet deposited in the container at the first station, means beyond the second station for shifting the tabletv deposited in the container at the second station into juxtaposition to the tablet deposited in the container at the ilrst station, and means be'- yond said last mentioned means for shifting any tilted tablets in the container into a ilat position therein. e

12. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be iilled to a plurality of spaced filling stations, means at the first of said stations for depositing a tablet in said container, and remote from an edge thereof,

means between the first and second of said sta tions for shifting said tablet into juxtaposition to said edge of the container, means at the second station for depositing a tablet in said container remote from the tablet deposited in the container at the first station, means beyond the second station for shifting the tablet deposited in the container at the second station into juxtaposition to the tablet deposited in the container at the first station, and means at the last of said plurality of stations for depositing a tabletin a predetermined final position in said container.

13. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be filled to a plurality of spaced illiing stations, means at the first of said stations for depositing a tablet in said container, and remote from an edge thereof. means between the ilrst and second of said iirst station, means at the last of said plurality of stations for depositing a tablet in a predetermined final position in said container, and means beyond said last station for shifting any tilted tablet deposited in the container at said station into a iiat position therein.

14. Ina tablet Apackaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be illled to a plurality of spaced lling stations, means 'at each of said stations for depositing a row ofY tablets in said container, and means between certain of said stations for simultaneously shifting all of the tablets of a row of tablets deposited in the container at the preceding station into a predetermined alined position in the container.

15. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be lled to a plurality oi' spaced filling stations, means at the rst of said stations for depositing a row of tablets in said container remote from an edge thereof, means between the first and second of said stations for simultaneously shifting all of the tablets of the row of tablets deposited in the container at the iirst station into a predetermined alined position in juxtaposition to said edge ofl the container, means at a second of said plurality of stations fordepositing a second row of tablets in said container and remote from the row oi tablets deposited therein at said ilrst station, and means beyond the second station for simultaneously shifting all of the tablets of the row deposited at the second station into a predetermined alined position in juxtaposition to the first row of tablets.

, 16. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to be lled to a predetermined filling station, a receptacle at said station and having a chute for receiving a tablet to be deposited in the container thereat, holding means extending into said chute for preventing discharge of said tablet from said chute, means for operating said holding means to release said tablet for discharge into the container,

l means for shifting the deposited tablet to a predetermined position in said container, and means operably connected to said tablet shifting means for controlling the operation of said releasing means.

17. In a tablet packagingmachine, means for successively conveying containers to be illed to a predetermined iilling station, a tablet supply source relatively remote from said conveying means, a shiftable receptacle at said station and having a chute for receiving a tablet from said supply source when the receptacle is in a position remote from the container on the conveying means and for depositing the tablet in said container when in a position in juxtaposition thereto, means for shifting said receptacle between said positions, holding means extending into said chute for preventing discharge oi' the tablet from said chute, means for operating said holding means to release the tablet for discharge into the container. and means operative in timed relation to the operation of said receptacle shifting means for operating said releasing means when the receptacle is in juxtaposition to the container.

18. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers" to be iilled to a predetermined lling station, a'. table supply source relatively remote from said-conveying means, a shiftable receptacle at said station and having a chute for receiving "atablet from said supply source when in a position remote from said conveying means and for depositing the tablet in said container when in a position in juxtaposition thereto, a reciprocating member upon which said receptacle is mounted for shifting between said. positions, means for driving said reciprocating member, a tablet positioning bar reciprocable transversely to the path of movement of said reciprocating member for shifting the deposited tablet to a predetermined position in said container, and means for driving said tablet positioning bar in timed relation to the operation of said reciprocating member.

19. In a tablet packaging machine, means for successively conveying containers to beilled to a predetermined lling station, a tablet supply source relatively remote from said conveying means, a shiftable receptacle at said station and having a chute for receiving a tablet from said supply source when in a position remote. from said conveying means and for depositing the tablet in said container when in a position in juxtaposition thereto, a reciprocating member upon which said receptacle is mounted for shifting between said positions, means for driving said reciprocating member, a tablet positioning bar carried by said reciprocating member and reciprocable relatively thereto along a path transverse -to the movement of said reciprocating member for shifting the deposited tablet to a predetermined position in said container, and means for driving said tablet positioning bar in timed relation to the operation of said reciprocating member.

20. In a packaging machine, a conveyor having a succession of bucket-like sections for receiving in each section a container to be filled, means at a predetermined station along said conveyor for depositing articles to be packaged in said containers, means positioned along said conveyor in advance of said station for shifting each container, during movement of the conveyor, into a. predetermined position in its bucket-like section, means for depositing a slip into the container thus positioned, means for shifting a tilted slip to caus'e it to lie flat in said container, means for supporting said container shifting means,

lsaid slip depositing means and 'said slip shifting means for simultaneous movement toward and from said container, and means for operating said supporting means.

2i. A method for packaging tablets in containers which comprises successively conveying containers to be iilled to a plurality of spaced filling stations, depositing at each oi' said stations a row of tablets in said containerpbefore said containers reach a succeeding station shifting all of the tablets of a row of tablets deposited in the container at the preceding station into a predetermined aligned position in the container.A

MICHAEL J. MnMoE. CLARENCE J. MALnIo'r.

CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,227,578. Decemberl', 19LLO.

MICHAEL J. HILIIOE, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of-the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 9, s'ec ond column, line 6, claim 18, for the word "table" read -tab1et; and that the said Letters' Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may. conform to the record of the case in the' Patent Office.

signed and sealed this 18th day cf February, A. D. 191;.1.

Henry van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

